ASIA 2015
T
by Olivia Holden, Milling and Grain
A busy stand at Wenger
Amandus Kahl
he integration between western businesses and Southeast Asia’s booming animal protein production and processing industry made VIV Asia 2015, held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), a vibrant place for colleagues and competitors to explore crucial developments and innovations across a variety of both established and new sectors represented at the trade fair. Now in its 12th edition, VIV Asia has become one of the most important gateways to Asia’s emerging markets. This year, the concept of the biannual event was ‘Feed to Meat,’ with every segment represented throughout the entire food supply chain. All farm species were covered, from poultry and pork to eggs. The focus remained on consumer demand - not only for more food to feed a growing population, but healthier, tastier and, above all, safer food. Animal feed and animal health remains at the forefront of feed safety. For the first time, aquaculture was also represented at the trade fair with a dedicated aqua hall. Ruwan Berculo (Business development and project
“The essential meeting point for people seriously involved in producing and processing animal proteins” - Ruwan Berculo, VIV
Chief Industries
REVIEW
The Famsun stand attracted a lot of visitors
82 | Milling and Grain
management, VIV) affirmed, “this event has become a key international platform and point of reference for the complete animal protein industry in Asia where friends, peers and colleagues meet to examine where we are at now, and where we seek to be in the future with regards to food security, animal protein and the role that technology will play.” This sentiment was evident throughout the exhibition: a shared sense of collaboration and innovation shaped this year’s VIV Asia. A record breaking 38,425 visitors attended - an overall increase of 15.6 percent from the 33,229 visiting in 2013. This also coincided with an increase in visitor participation from Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America and Western Europe. Thailand itself was also among 15 Asian nations sending more visitors to the event, with the largest increases coming from Cambodia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China. Interfacing as global players, visitors from these countries are now very